It is wise to be cautious when purchasing designer fragrances, particularly when the price seems too good to be true. This is often an indication that the product may be counterfeit, or may not have the best qualities for perfume. Buyers should be wary of individuals claiming to resell perfumes, particularly on the internet. They may claim to have received the fragrance as a gift and no longer have a use for it.
Authentic perfumes come in boxes that protect the bottle, usually surrounded by a perfume holder or thin tissue-like paper. The cellophane used for these boxes is typically thick and folds smoothly to adhere firmly to the box. In contrast, poorly wrapped cellophane is a telltale sign of a counterfeit fragrance. Testers, used for in-store spraying, are sometimes sold when a fragrance is no longer actively promoted or has been discontinued. They are typically labeled as testers, but may not be sealed and may not come with a box or packaging, or even a lid.
Although testers may show signs of wear from in-store use, they may also be sturdier, as they are usually made of glass. To accurately determine the authenticity of a fragrance, it is best to compare the scent on your skin after 2, 4, and 6 hours have passed, rather than immediately after spraying. Authentic perfumes are often paler in color as they contain fewer dyes.
The creation of a perfume is a complex and meticulous process that involves many different skills and professionals. While more expensive perfumes are more likely to have several fragrance levels, this is not a guarantee. Synthetic fragrances, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated, are being used more frequently in perfumery. A reasonable price for a perfume in the official store of a brand does not necessarily indicate that it is counterfeit.
In the competitive perfume market, there are also what are known as equivalent or generic perfumes. The original fragrance will have high-quality bottles with smooth and fine surfaces, while fake perfumes may have rough and contoured bottles. If the plastic wrap on the perfume box is unattractively sealed (the seam is more than 5mm wide, uneven, or has an excess of glue), the fragrance is not genuine.
Comparing perfumes to wine, a good perfume can have the sophistication of a blended wine, as opposed to a single varietal. As with wine, the quality of a fragrance depends on many factors, including the choice of ingredients, the concentration of the perfume, and the construction of the olfactory pyramid. The cap of an authentic perfume must be perfectly symmetrical, unless otherwise designed in the original creation.
The most significant indicator of a genuine fragrance is, of course, its scent.
But if you're really looking to have an affordable fragrance that is also well suited to you and your skin, consider opting into buying a customized perfume. Check out our article on "Where to buy customized perfume" to learn more about making your own fragrance in Singapore.
